I have spent many hours watching the movement and flexing of the front aka - crossbar connection and have often wondered how many times they can flex before something gives and what gives first. Yesterday I got the answer.

I should add at this stage that I'm talking about the older aka - crossbar connection and that it is about 28 months old with lots of use. The area that gave in was starboard, forward aka at the weld on the end of the aka where the tapered tube is welded to the bracket that pins to the crossbar. It went during a average nose dive to windward in choppy conditions, wind around 15knots nearly under the Sydney harbour bridge. No capsize or drama I folded the starboard ama in and sailed home on a port tack(fortunately).

This is not a complaint it is experience sharing as I haven't heard of a failure of this kind. No doubt the new type aka doesn't have the same "flex" stress. So for you offshoe guys with the older akas keep an eye on that area.

I guess it's sort of like the old commercial where the guy asked the owl how many licks does it take to get to the middle of a Tootsie Roll Pop. The owls licks it twice, then bites it and says, "Three." I'll bet some of you remember that, at least if you're in my age group.

Assuming normal wear and tear from regular use, at least you know that at 2-1/2 years it may be something worth checking in terms of possible cracks or other warning signs.